Hierarchical Map Localization for Industrial Signal Interference
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial environments pose challenges to accurate and reliable device localization due to signal interference, environmental factors, and resource constraints, limiting the precision and reliability of traditional localization methods such as RSSI, FTM, and UWB.
Innovation Solution
A hierarchical map-based localization approach that identifies areas within an environment offering high localization accuracy, allowing mobile devices to navigate to these areas for calibration, thereby enhancing navigation operations and maintaining precision with minimal resource use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional localization methods (RSSI, FTM, UWB) are used in industrial environments, then device localization can be achieved, but accuracy and reliability are significantly degraded due to signal interference and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a hierarchical map that divides the industrial environment into multiple zones with different localization accuracy characteristics. Instead of treating the entire environment uniformly, the system identifies specific areas (e.g., zones with line-of-sight to reference devices) that offer superior localization conditions and assigns different quality levels to these local regions, allowing mobile devices to leverage high-accuracy measurements when available while accepting lower accuracy in challenging areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-characterizing the industrial environment through hierarchical map generation before actual localization operations. During an initial characterization phase, the system collects localization measurement data from multiple locations and conditions to build a map that predicts measurement accuracy at different positions. This pre-computed knowledge allows mobile devices to proactively navigate to high-accuracy zones for calibration before performing precision-critical operations, rather than reacting to poor localization after the fact.
2Measurement precision
If mobile devices navigate to areas with high localization accuracy for calibration, then navigation precision is improved, but additional time and resource consumption is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing selective calibration rather than continuous or comprehensive calibration. The hierarchical map enables the system to determine when and where calibration is actually needed based on the current localization accuracy requirements and the device's position relative to high-accuracy zones. Calibration is performed partially—only when the device enters a high-accuracy zone and when the operational context demands improved precision—thereby avoiding unnecessary time consumption while maintaining navigation precision when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through autonomous calibration operations. When a mobile device enters a high-accuracy localization zone identified in the hierarchical map, it automatically performs calibration without requiring manual intervention or external coordination. The device independently determines its need for calibration based on its operational state and environmental context, navigates to appropriate zones, executes calibration procedures, and returns to operations, thereby serving its own localization needs without consuming additional operational time.
3Measurement precision
If hierarchical map-based localization is implemented, then localization accuracy is improved by navigating to optimal areas, but device complexity increases due to map generation and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the complex task of environmental characterization into manageable components through the hierarchical map structure. The map is organized into multiple levels or zones, each representing different localization accuracy characteristics, rather than treating the environment as a single complex entity. This segmentation allows the system to process and store localization data in an organized manner, making map generation and maintenance more tractable while still providing comprehensive coverage of the industrial environment's localization properties.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method is disclosed comprising: determining a hierarchical map of localization measurement accuracy for an environment; determining a first location of a mobile device within the environment; causing the mobile device to navigate to a second location within the environment and selected based on the hierarchical map that provides increased localization measurement accuracy over the first location; and calibrating, based on a localization measurement for the mobile device acquired at the second location, navigation operations for future movements of the mobile device.